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Pop-Up market in front of Sainsbury’s West Ealing today and Friday

There will be a pop-up market in Melbourne Ave by Sainsbury’s from 11am -4.30pm today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday).  It’s backed by the newly established West Ealing Business Improvement District and is part of the ‘Love Your Local Market Campaign’.

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Do please come along on one of the days and have a look. I know there’s a stall selling vintage inspired dresses and on Friday we will have our Abundance stall there selling the first of this year’s delicious elderflower cordial along with apple juice, lemon and elderflower marmalade and more locally sourced and made products.

 

 

 

 

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Irish dancing, plant swaps and more

I’m always surprised just how much is happening in and around our neighbourhood. Here’s a couple of local activties and events that give just a hint of what’s going on locally:

Irish Dancing

The O’Sullivan School of Irish Dancing has places now available. Classes for children from 5yrs . Classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

All standards welcome, (Beginners to Champion)

Contact: Deirdre O’Sullivan, 07956 346383

deirdreosullivan@hotmail.co.uk

 

Plant Swap at The Quaker House on Sunday 1st June 1-3pm

Lots and Lots of Plants in Pots

17, Woodville Road
W5 2SE

Sunday, June 1st 2014
1.00pm–3.00pm

Sow some–Grow some
Bring some,
Take some home.

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150 days of community in West Ealing: Week 13

Welcome to Week 13 of our 150 days of community project. Don’t know what we’re talking about? Then click here. We had lots of stuff in for last week, though one of suggestions might have been ‘cut down’ before it could come to fruition!

Would anyone like to adopt a fish?

Harshini Passmore posted in Coldershaw Community

Harshini Passmore
Harshini Passmore 7:39pm May 13
Hi all, would anyone like to adopt our fish? They are black and orange fan tail goldfish in a bi-orb 30L tank with LED lighting system, air pump and fish food all included. We have a baby on the way and so are looking to find these guys a new home! Let me know if interested, thanks, Harshini
Some technical assistance from some friendly neighbours:
 

Adam Brown
Adam Brown 11:45am May 14
Gill – The mains plugs do work and are very good. Only for devices you can cable though of course. To be clear, the device that plugs into it will need a network socket and then network cable to connect the mains adapters network socket. They can be expensive – could be worth asking an electrician about the cost of running a hidden cable from point to point, or even getting an extension of eBay or Amazon. I did that in our house when the floor boards were up.

 

Ben DeVille
Ben DeVille 10:45am May 14
It sounds like wireless interference wasn’t the issue, sorry for sending you down a rabbit hole! I have tried 5GHz as well, it’s good, but you have to be sure that all your devices are compatible, for example, we found that the wireless infrared camera that we use as a video baby-monitor did not support it. I have one of these wireless extenders Gill Adams, because despite us only being in a 2 bedroomed flat, the wireless signal struggles to get as far as the bedroom. It’s very good, but it does have need restarting every 24 hours or so because it seems to lose the wireless and need the restart to grab it again. This is the one we have: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007SU0BJU/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Adam Brown
Adam Brown 10:18am May 14
It does but even an iPad 2 will work like that in my experience
Gill Adams
Gill Adams 10:15am May 14
Adam Brown does the 5GHz option require all the receiving device/s to be able to receive 5GHz?
Adam Brown
Adam Brown 10:10am May 14
You can try to optimise the channel your router uses (advanced settings). I used some free software called inSSIDer office – it shows the channels your neighbours are using so you can choose the least busy space. That or if your router can do it – switch to 5GHz – that’s an option on the Virgin boxes, and the better ones you buy at PC world.
Diane Gill
Diane Gill 10:07am May 14
Hi all I did the test as Ben DeVille suggested and it was the same. I contacted Talk Talk and guess what there’s a fault from the exchange to my house. They have engineers working on it and are sending me text updated on progress. Cheers
Original Post
Diane Gill
Diane Gill 6:46am May 13
Hi all I’m with Talk Talk for my broadband and I’ve been having problems recently watching catch up TV on my iPad and computer. I tested the speed last night and it’s only just over 2mb or is that gig? Anyway it’s rubbish! I can’t upgrade to their fibre optic service as it’s not in my area. Who can recommend a better provider with higher speeds? I’ll need to have my phone and broadband together. Any recommendations gratefully received.
Some ‘flower power’ from locals:
Linda Pegg
Linda Pegg 3:02pm May 13
Hi Gill , Thank you , we are doing some projects in schools at the moment , The large scarecrow was for the RHS scarecrow competition that a local school took part in , she is constructed out of recycled materials 🙂 that the children worked on putting together :-). We are looking to work with community groups, and lots more schools .Linda
Gill Adams
Gill Adams 11:44am May 13
Oooh, Linda Pegg – your website looks good. What a brilliant, community-enhancing business (labour of love?). I imagine scarecrow making might catch on round here. I know when I’ve been to Dorset there’s often a scarecrow weekend and you find these mad effigies lurking around every corner and leaning on bus stops. Are you doing any projects locally?
Linda Pegg
Linda Pegg 9:45am May 10
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Original Post

Linda Pegg
Linda Pegg 9:21am May 10
Hi everyone . Please have a look at our community food growing workshops on our website . Now is the time to get growing www.tasteoflife.org.uk

Did we miss anything? Let us know!

We have another great list of seven ‘acts of community’ for this week – see how many you do – maybe you already do them!

  • Call an old friend/relative
  • Offer to share your table for lunch
  • Accept or extend an invitation
  • Talk to your kids or parents about their day
  • Smile (in an unthreatening way!) at strangers
  • Log off and go to the park
  • Ask a new person to join your group for a dinner or an evening

We’d love to hear from you if you do any of these things, or anything else that makes people smile in West Ealing. We have loads more suggestions of things you can do, if you want to jump ahead!

Ways to send us your contributions:

Send us an email – 150daysofcommunity@gmail.com
Write on our Facebook wall – https://www.facebook.com/groups/124290860921562/
Tweet at us – @WENeighbours
Add a comment to this blog post (below)

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150 days of community in West Ealing: Week 12

Welcome to Week 12 of our 150 days of community project. Don’t know what we’re talking about? Then click here. Here are some of the things that we’ve been up to in West Ealing in the last week:

On Saturday, Ealing Council gave away 22 tonnes of compost for those of you with green fingers – did you grab some? From Ealing Today this week:

Get your hands dirty at Walpole Park

Spring has sprung and Ealing gardeners are being urged to get mucky on Saturday 10 May and takeaway some free compost.

There will be 22 tonnes of the stuff available as part of Ealing Council’s annual compost giveaway which is held at Walpole Park.

It starts at 10am and is part of ‘Compost Awareness Week’ which runs from 5 to 11 May. Residents are advised to get there early, use the Lammas Park Gardens entrance, and check local parking restrictions.

Compost is made from recycled food and garden waste collected from homes across west London. Residents are asked to come with their own bags, containers and shovels as the compost will be loose. There will be a restriction on the quantity that can be taken by each person – approximately 100 litres.

Staff from the council’s recycling team and the West London Waste Authority will also be on hand with information and advice on composting.

Keith Townsend, executive director of environment and customer services said: “Using compost in your garden is a fantastic way to give your plants the nutrients they need to flourish. Making your own compost  saves you money and is an easy and environmentally friendly way to dispose of food and garden waste.

If you’d like to start making your own compost there are reduced prices on compost bins for residents.”

Compost can be made at home using garden waste, as well as everyday waste items such as peelings, teabags, coffee grounds and filter paper and scrunched up newspaper and cardboard.

Did we miss anything? Let us know!

We have another great list of seven ‘acts of community’ for this week – see how many you do – maybe you already do them!

  • Plant flowers at the base of street trees
  • Volunteer at the library
  • Form or join a running club
  • Return a lost wallet
  • Use public transport and start talking with those you regularly see
  • Ask neighbours for help, and reciprocate
  • Go to a local live music event

We’d love to hear from you if you do any of these things, or anything else that makes people smile in West Ealing. We have loads more suggestions of things you can do, if you want to jump ahead!

Ways to send us your contributions:

Send us an email – 150daysofcommunity@gmail.com
Write on our Facebook wall – https://www.facebook.com/groups/124290860921562/
Tweet at us – @WENeighbours
Add a comment to this blog post (below)

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Launch of alternative rock guitar orchestra – Sat 24th May 2pm

An exciting new music project in Ealing. AN ALTERNATIVE ROCK GUITAR ORCHESTRA! With drums, bass and keyboards. DEVELOP YOUR GUITAR SKILLS AND GET EXPERIENCE PLAYING WITH SESSION MUSICIANS: Then perform and record what you’ve learnt. Playing various musical styles including: rock, blues, soul, well known tunes and original material.

Rehearse once a week for 10 weeks, then perform and record in the Ealing area. 

*Mandolin, harp,banjo, double bass, electric bass and uke players also welcome; as are any other instrumentalists. 

LAUNCH MEETING: Saturday 24th May. 2pm until 5PM

If you’re interested in finding out more about the guitar orchestra, there will be a meeting on Saturday 24th of May. Bring a guitar with you and join in with the music.  There will be a discussion and Q and A session about the summer season of rehearsals. Most importantly there will be a chance to make some music with other attendees/orchestra members and the orchestra leaders; Nev Hawkins and Richard Carter. If you’d like to attend, contact Nev Hawkins.

Rehearsals start on Saturday 31st of May, 2pm – 5pm. Then continue every Saturday until the 26th  July.

Performance date:  26th July.

Venue: Contact Nev Hawkins for venue details.

If you’d like to attend, contact Nev Hawkins for venue details and more info. 
tel: 07906 328 273/ 0208 621 3336
email:nevhawkins@yahoo.co.uk

Recording session date: TBC

*for intermediate to advanced players. 

Membership Fees for summer season: £200

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Six more short plays at OPEN Ealing on Friday 9th May 7.30pm

SIX short plays 6

 

Open Ealing 6 short plays
Our sixth evening of SIX short plays is on this Friday 9th May, 7.30pm.

Six performed readings by playwrights Polly Churchill, Simone Marsha James, Sally Sheringham, Liam O’Grady and Wally Sewell, performed by Mary Drake and Jane Sheraton.

Prepared on the day and served fresh for your delectation in the evening!

OPENShop, 13 Drayton Green Road, W13 0NG.

£5 on the door.
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150 days of community in West Ealing: Week 11

After one week’s break, we’re back with Week 11 of our 150 days of community project. Don’t know what we’re talking about? Then click here. Here are some of the things that we’ve been up to in West Ealing in the last couple of weeks:

Elaine Hill 10:52pm Apr 23
Hi everyone, the annual Beating the Bounds walk around the old parish boundary of Hanwell will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May, to raise funds for Hanwell Carnival.It’s a circular walk of approx 8 miles, starting and ending at the Fox pub in Green Lane. If you’d like to find out more about Hanwell’s history and enjoy a good walk, the main walking group will be leaving the Fox at around 12.30 and the full walk takes around 3 hours. Wear suitable walking shoes as some of the route may be muddy and bring water and snacks as there are no scheduled refreshment stops on the way.If you have small children, you may wish to do the southern half of the walk which takes in most of the boundary stones and head back to Hanwell town from the top of Grosvenor Road where it rejoins Uxbridge Road.

Pick up a walking guide with maps and historical information at the registration point at the Fox from midday on 5th May in return for a donation to Carnival funds. For more info about the walk and its origins see the “get involved” page at www.hanwellcarnival.co.uk or PM me. Many thanks.

Eve Kelly 7:31pm Apr 19
I got to say I do love north Hanwell, the people are truly lovely and I’m so glad I live here…I just wish we had something like a W7 Emporium up at the Greenford avenue/Shakespeare Rd row of shops. Any budding cafe/bar peeps looking for a new venue? :o)

Did we miss anything? Let us know!

We have another great list of seven ‘acts of community’ for this week – see how many you do – maybe you already do them!

  • Fight to keep essential local services – your A&E post office, police station, school, etc.
  • Become a school governor
  • Gather a group to clean up a local park or cemetery
  • When somebody says “government stinks,” suggest they help fix it
  • Turn off the TV, put down your phone or tablet, and talk
  • Hold a neighbourhood barbecue (if wet in the hall)
  • Bake biscuits for new neighbours or work colleagues

We’d love to hear from you if you do any of these things, or anything else that makes people smile in West Ealing. We have loads more suggestions of things you can do, if you want to jump ahead!

Ways to send us your contributions:

Send us an email – 150daysofcommunity@gmail.com
Write on our Facebook wall – https://www.facebook.com/groups/124290860921562/
Tweet at us – @WENeighbours
Add a comment to this blog post (below)

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Drop in to the OPEN Ealing shop for a chat and a first-class cup of coffee

chat & meet logo

The OPEN Ealing shop in Drayton Green Road has been transformed in to a bright and relaxing cafe, open from Monday-Saturday 10am-4.30pm.  Working in partnership with OPEN Ealing Geoff and Gita have created a lovely space with the aim of giving people the chance to drop in for a first class cup of coffee or tea and have a chat with them or whoever happens to be there at the time.  I’ve dropped in twice and bumped in to people I know and had a thoroughly enjoyable half hour. It’s got the potential to be just the sort of community hub and meeting place West Ealing needs.

In the evenings OPEN Ealing will be continuing with its arts activities and events, so it’s great to see the shop being put to good use all times of day.

What is more, Geoff and Gita really care about the quality of their tea and coffee so have sourced some of the very best for you to drink.  Do drop in if you’re nearby and try it out.

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The Grosvenor packed for its opening night

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A group of us went for dinner to The Grosvenor on its opening last night (Tuesday).  We expected it to be busy but it was packed- luckily we had booked a  table.  The decoration, inside and outside, has been carefully thought through with the highlight colour being the green from its stained glass.  It’s interesting how they have refurbished it with many original features retained.  They have created a very pleasant atmosphere which worked well both when it was packed out last night and at luchtime today when we dropped in for a drink and lunch when it was much quieter, though a steady trickle of people dropped in, perhaps curious to see what it looks like.

I’m very wary of attempting to review its food as the first night was a bit of a dry-run to see how it all worked.  Even so, I can say that all six of us thoroughly enjoyed our food and would very definitely go again.  We also all thought the staff in the dining area did a great job with a real sense of enjoyment and that helps create a very pleasant experience.

A lot of thought has been put in to the refurbishment and the owners have put in a hefty investment to transform this once run-down pub.  The choice of colours works well, the stained glass windows are now a stand out feature and the tables in the dining area have been cleverly set up at various angles, and not too close together, to avoid any sense of being jammed together.  All in all, I’d definitely recommend you go and try it for yourself.  It’s got off to a fantsastic start and has the potential to be a great success and an asset to our local community and beyond.  I wish it every success and we will certainly be going back soon.

Details of booking a table etc are on their website

 

 

 

 

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Crossrail at West Ealing: highlights of last week’s public meeting

The full report of last week’s public meeting about Crossrail, attended by some 200 people,  is on the West Ealing Centre Neighbourhood Forum site.   Here’s a brief summary of the key points:

  • No detailed plan yet for the new station at West Ealing and some questions raised on its exact location in Manor Road
  • Ealing Council is not happy with the initial design for Ealing Broadway station so has appointed architects to help on designs for all five Crossrail stations in the borough
  • A strong desire at the meeting for step-free access to the new station  from the south/high street side
  • A strong desire at the meeting to see the area surrounding the station redeveloped
  • Can something be done to make Jacob’s Ladder better and accessible to wheelchair users and parents with buggies?  This will cost a lot of money. How can it be raised?
  • No detail yet on car parking, dropping off or cycle bays

Seems almost everything is still to play for and WECNF will organise another meeting when there is definite information available.